Although the shields are effective as protection, their ceremonial use has become more and more important as battles between Na'vi clans have become mostly a thing of the past. All shields are highly decorated, but ceremonial versions are woven with traditional patterns that depict a story from Na'vi history or mythology.

Many symbols are abstract images of the protective power of Eywa or of heroic ancestors. Newer shields depict images of human gunships (or kunsip to the Na'vi) and AMP suits.